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GARDEN 27 |
Wildlife 4
(L) Dunnocks are the epitome of what are called "LBJ'S," or "Little Brown Jobs" which is a term used to describe most of our native birds. They are still very pretty if you take the time to really study them at close quarters. (C) The ubiquitous Chaffinch, although our most common bird, is rarely seen in the garden with only a few pairs nesting at any one time. (R) Greenfinches on the other hand, are common and found in the orchard all year round.
When things are quiet Reed Warblers will forage for insects in the rose beds. Fennel seed heads are a rich source of spiders and other tasty titbits.
Not the best photos in the world but they will have to do for now. November 2004 was noted for being dull and cold which made taking photo's difficult.-Although the absence of leaves made things easier. (L) Greater spotted woodpecker (C) Tree creeper. (R) Green Woodpecker
(L) Great tits are very common throughout the garden. (R) Linnets on the other hand, have all but faded into memory.
Large family groups of long-tailed tits do two or three circuits of the garden on most days throughout the year but are more prevalent in winter.
I make no apologies for all these photo's, they are my favourite bird. I love their sociable nature and their highly skilled acrobatics in search of insects. In 2004, a particularly large group of 27 individuals made the garden (and especially, the veggy plot) their home.
(L) Wrens are always busy searching for insects in any nook and cranny (R) Prominent features such as this clump of ivy on the back fence are used as boundary markers and their shrill calls can be heard throughout the garden. I still can't believe how such a tiny little thing can make so much noise.
Fieldfares arrived early (Nov) in 2005.
Perhaps one can take wildlife gardening too seriously!